On queer nightlife: a talk on identity, expression and community.
What happens when the sun sets and the queer community claims the night? In this 30-minute talk, we dive into the rich, rebellious, and resilient world of queer nightlife. More than just a space for parties, queer nightlife has long been a sanctuary—a place for freedom, resistance, self-expression, and chosen family.
From the dance floor to the backroom, from drag shows to DJ booths, nightlife has always been a powerful stage for queer identities to take up space and shine. But who shapes these spaces? And how do they continue to evolve in a changing social and cultural climate?
Join three voices from the frontlines of queer culture—each with their own perspective on performance, community, and visibility:
Sharvin Ramjan
Creative consultant, writer, and moderator, Sharvin moves fluidly through the cultural landscape. He has worked with organizations like Motel Mozaïque, Roffa Mon Amour, MUBI, DeBuren, and Mastercard. For Rotterdam Pride, he hosted the Rotterdam Pridecast, giving a platform to local queer voices. With roots in visual arts and as a nightlife performer, Sharvin challenges dominant narratives and advocates for representation, equity, and multiplicity. His debut essay collection Nooit Genoeg will be published by Academia Press in November 2025.
Lodewijk van Dijk
From the door to the DJ booth, Lodewijk is a true nightlife polymath. As doorbitch, DJ KAHORSA, head of program at 160k, and performer, he is constantly redefining the boundaries of nightlife. Known from events like Paardenrave, Lodewijk brings both attitude and authenticity to every space he touches. His work centers around creating immersive experiences that are radically inclusive and deeply rooted in queer joy.
Faye Ferry
Faye Ferry is a powerhouse performer blending voice, glam, and queer resistance. With appearances on X Factor and The Voice of Holland, Faye transitioned from mainstream music stages to becoming one of Rotterdam’s most vibrant drag performers. Whether singing live or lip-syncing for her life, Faye brings raw emotion, sharp wit, and unapologetic queerness to every stage she graces.
Expect personal stories, critical reflections, and a celebration of queer nightlife as a space of survival, celebration, and radical love.
Because for many of us, the night is where we come alive.
